An Essex veterinary practice has issued an urgent warning after two cats died after being shot with air guns.

A heartbroken cat owner was left "absolutely distraught" after a neighbour found their black and white cat, Mitch, lying on a pavement.

Mitch, who was just approaching his first birthday, was found dead in Langdon Hills where he lived.

He was taken to Cherrydown vets in Basildon where an x-ray revealed a pointed, metal pellet had pierced his lung.

A second cat, who lived in the Laindon area and was approximately the same age as Mitch, was then brought to Cherrydown as he was dragging his back legs. An x-ray revealed a pellet in his spinal cord so sadly the cat had to be put down.

Mitch’s heartbroken owner, Tracy Milton, said: “The whole family is simply devastated by what has happened to our little cat.

Mitch loved playing in the garden (Image: Cherrydown Vets)

“We’ve had Mitch since he was a few weeks old. We got him on the anniversary of my dad Michael’s death so we named Mitch after him.

“He was an absolutely beautiful, bouncy cat, full of fun. He was such a character and he loved playing in the garden."

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“The families this has affected are obviously and understandably completely devastated and we hope that by raising awareness of the issue we can try to avoid further incidents of this nature.

“If you have any concerns that your cat has been shot or is injured, please seek veterinary attention immediately.”

Tracy's 13-year-old daughter, Mia, has been left heartbroken by the loss of their beloved moggy Mitch, so much so that she has set up an Instagram page to gather support for air guns being banned.

Mitch was loved by 13-year-old Mia (Image: Cherrydown Vets)

“Whoever shot Mitch may have thought it was a bit of fun"

Tracy said: “She keeps asking why anyone would want to do this to a beautiful little creature, and I don’t have any answers for her.

“I want pet owners to be aware this has happened. I know you can’t keep an eye on your cat all the time, or keep it in 24/7 if it is an outdoor cat, but we felt we had to let people know what had taken place.

“Whoever shot Mitch may have thought it was a bit of fun but they just don’t see the bigger picture, the utter misery and heartbreak these actions can cause.

“We don’t know that it was youngsters who shot Mitch, but I would appeal to parents to be aware of whether their children have access to air guns, and if they do, what are they using them for?”